The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as 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, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press