The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
