The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
