India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
