India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered 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, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
