India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters 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 significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
