The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
