The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
