The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start 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 captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
