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.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
