The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
