The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 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. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
