The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 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 loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
