The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players 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 modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
