The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
