The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
