India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
