India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
