The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
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 helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
