The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
