The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
