The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years 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 all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
