India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
