The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
