The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
