India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
