The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
