The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
