The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
