India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable 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 occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
