India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
