The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked 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 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
