The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
