The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
