The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
