India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
