India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
