India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
