The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
