The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
