The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph 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 momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
