The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
