India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
