India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press