The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
