The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
