India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
