The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
