The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved 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 risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
