India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
