India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
