India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
