The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
