The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
