The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
