India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, 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 major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
