The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph 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 winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
