The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly 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 both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
