The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
