The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players 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 spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
