The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
