The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
