The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
