The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
