The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen 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. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
