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 South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters 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 modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
