India's surprising 0-2 series 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 a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win 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 invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
