The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was 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 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, 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 under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
