The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
