The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
