The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball 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 suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
