India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, 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 floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
