The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
