India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
