The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
