The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
