The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
