The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
