The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
