The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
