India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
