India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
