The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
