India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand 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, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
