The Indian cricket team's unexpected 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 gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
