The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
