India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
