India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
