The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
