The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
