The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent 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 winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
