India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
