India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
