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, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
