India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
