The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
