India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
