The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
