The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
