The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
