India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
