The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
