India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
