The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
