The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
