The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
