The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
