India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor 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 performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
