India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
