India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press