The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, 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 suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
