India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
