The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
