India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
