The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
