India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
