India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
