The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
