India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
