India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
