The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
