The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
