The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
