India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
