The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
