India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
