The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
