India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
