India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
