India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished 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. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
