India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
