India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
