The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
