The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
