The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
