The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
