The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of 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 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
