India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
