The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - 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.
At his post-series press