The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
