The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
