India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
