The Indian cricket team's surprising 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 a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
