The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
