India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
