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.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
