India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
