The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
