The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
