India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
