India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
