India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
