India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
