The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
