The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
