The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
