The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies 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 somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
