India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
