The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
