India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph 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 invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
