The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
