The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
