India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
