The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
