India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
