India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly 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 performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
