The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
