The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
