India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
