India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
