India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
