The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
