The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss 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, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
