The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
