The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
