The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
