India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
