The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
