India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
