India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
