The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
