The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
