The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
