The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
