India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
