The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
