The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
