The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain 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 terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
