The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
