The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
