The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
