The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team 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 in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
