The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
