The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
