The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
