The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
