The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
