The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
