The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
