India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
