The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players 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 does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
