The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
