India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately 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 tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
