The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
