India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
