The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
