India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
