The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
