The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
