India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
