The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
