India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
