The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
