The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
