The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
