The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
