The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
