India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
