The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
