The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
