The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
