The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
