The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
