Can India recover the batting power it had before?

The decline in the performance of India’s batting lineup at home since 2021 has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, especially considering the heights they reached between 2013 and 2020. India's remarkable win-loss record during that period—and particularly its record batting average—seemed to reflect a batting unit that was as formidable as any in the world. However, the noticeable dip in averages and the contrasting performance against spin have drawn attention to what might be an alarming trend.

The most significant factor appears to be the decline in the form of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, who were the backbone of the middle order. Their batting averages dropped dramatically, with Kohli’s average shifting from over 86 to 34.47 and Pujara’s from 56.85 to a troubling 24.53. This has adversely impacted the overall batting unit, as both players were relied upon to anchor the innings.

While pitches in India have always favoured spin, recent data indicates that the spinners have become more effective against Indian batsmen, leading to more dismissals in comparison to the past. The average against spin dropped significantly for Indian batsmen, signalling that they are struggling against local conditions that should ideally favour them.

The competition has tightened, with spinners from other countries performing better in India than in previous years. The performances of opposition bowlers have improved to the extent that they have become a challenge for the Indian batting lineup.

The batting average decline for India’s top seven batters from 54.43 to 38.30 underscores the necessity for both individual and collective improvement. Players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have shown promise, suggesting future potential, but the team requires a collective effort to regain its former prowess.

The chasm between home and away averages has narrowed alarmingly, with only a slight difference in recent years compared to a substantial gap during the previous five years. Thus, the traditional home advantage is no longer as pronounced, and better performances are expected from Indian batters at home.

Despite the alarming statistics, there are reasons to be optimistic about India's batting prospects moving forward:

The performances of both Jaiswal and Gill have shown that there’s a new wave of talent ready to take the mantle. Jaiswal, in particular, has had an extraordinary start to his Test career with remarkable innings, while Gill has consistently displayed potential in high-pressure situations.

If players like Kohli can find their rhythm once more, it could reinvigorate the team. Kohli's historical prowess and ability to play under pressure can be a catalyst for a team-wide resurgence.

There are dependable all-rounders like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja who can also contribute valuable runs, thus boosting the overall batting depth.

In summary, while the numbers indicate a worrying trend in India's home batting performance, the potential within the squad and the possibility of established players returning to form could pave the way for a bright future. The upcoming home series provides an opportunity for India's batting unit to rediscover its swagger and re-establish its dominance on home soil, translating past successes into positive returns once again.