The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
