India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
