The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
