India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
