The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
