The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
