India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
