The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
