India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
