The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
