India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
