The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
