The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
