The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
