India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
