The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished 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 was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
