India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's 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 unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
