India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
