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, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
