The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
