India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
