India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like 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 hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
