The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented 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 built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
