India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
