The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
