The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
