The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent 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 was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh 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 position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
