The Indian cricket team's surprising 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
