India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
