The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
