India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
