India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
