The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
