The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
