The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, 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, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
