India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
