The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
