The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press