The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
