The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
