The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
