India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
