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 a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar 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 nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
