The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
