India's unexpected 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
