The Indian cricket team's surprising 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 a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as 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 aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
