India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
