India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
