The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
