The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
