The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
