India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
