India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India'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 all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
