The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
