The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
