India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
