India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
