The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
