India's unexpected 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 their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
