The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
