The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
