India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was 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 winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
