The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
