The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
