The Indian cricket team's shocking 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 a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
