The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
