India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
