The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
