India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
