The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
