The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
