The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out 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 contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
