The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
