The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
