India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
