The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
