India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
