India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
