The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
