India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
