India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
