The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
