The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the 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 WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
