The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem 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 examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
