India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
