The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' 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 winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
