India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
