India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
