The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
