India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
