India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
