India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
