India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
