The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
