The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
