India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
