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.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
