The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
