India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
