India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
