The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
