India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed 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 defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
