The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit 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 devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, 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 nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
