India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
