The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
