The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
