India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
