Are South Africa's wheels coming off in India?

Just two weeks ago, South Africa celebrated their first Test series victory in India in over 25 years. Last Wednesday, they chased 359 in Raipur to level the ODI series. Since then, their form has collapsed.

In the third ODI in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, India won by nine wickets with 10.1 overs to spare. In the first T20I in Cuttack on Tuesday, South Africa were bowled out for a record low of 74 in 12.3 overs, losing by 101 runs.

Two consecutive heavy defeats are ominous with four more T20Is scheduled in the next 10 days. Looking further back, South Africa were dismissed for 110 in a T20I against Pakistan on October 31, and for 143 in an ODI on November 8.

After Tuesday's defeat, batting coach Ashwell Prince addressed the press. On the decision to field first after winning the toss, Prince said, "We thought it would be a good pitch. We know there's always dew around later at night. I don't think the decision was based on what we thought the pitch would do."

The surface offered seam movement, bounce, and swing. India reached 175 for 6, recovering from 78 for 4 inside 12 overs thanks to Hardik Pandya's 59 not out off 28 balls.

Prince commented, "They had to work hard early. Hardik played a brilliant knock to give them a competitive score. It turned out to be enough."

Injuries have affected the squad, but Prince avoided using that as an excuse. "We don't want to use that as an excuse. We expect the XI we put out there in every match to win, regardless of injuries."

He added, "We need to find more consistency. After a batting performance like this, that's one department we'll have to improve quickly. India have a formidable attack, and they asked a lot of good questions. As a batter you've got to be able to answer the questions and tonight we weren't up to the task."

Prince highlighted the failure to adapt: "Being able to adapt to what the pitch is doing on the day, that's the key. Tonight we weren't able to do that and find any rhythm in our batting."

South Africa now face a 1,500-kilometre journey from Cuttack to Chandigarh for the next match on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, which will host its inaugural men's international. India will make the same trip, but with the momentum of a thumping win behind them.