The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
