The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, 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, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
