India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
