The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
