The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
