India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
