The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
