India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
