The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
