The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press