The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
