India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered 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 ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
