India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
