The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win 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 momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
