The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
