The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
