The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
