The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
