India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
