India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
