India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
