The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent 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 positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
