The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press