The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
