India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' 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 invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
