India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather 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 England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
