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.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
