The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
