The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
