India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
