The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
