The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
