The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
