India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented 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 decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
