The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
