The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
