The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
