India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
