The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press