The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win 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 winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
