The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
