The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
