The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory 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 positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
