The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
