India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and 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.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
