The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
