The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat 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 loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
