The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
