India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
