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.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
