The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
