India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
