The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
