The Indian cricket team's shocking 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 inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi 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 nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
