The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
