India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
