India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
