The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
