India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century 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 last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
