India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
