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.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement 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, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
