India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
