The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
