The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
