The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
