The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
