India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
