India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
