The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
