The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, 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 technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
