The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing 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 suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
