India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
