India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
