India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
