India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
