The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
