The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
