The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
