India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
