India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
