The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
