The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
