India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest 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 overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
