India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain 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 team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
