The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
