India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
