The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
