The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
