The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
