India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like 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 aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
