The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished 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 South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
