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.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
