India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
