The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
