The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
