The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
