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 handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
