India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
