The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
