The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
