The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
