India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
