The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
