The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
