The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
