The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
