The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
