The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
