India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
