The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
