The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
