The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
