The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
