The Indian cricket team's shocking 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 a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
