India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
