The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
