The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
