The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
