The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
