India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
