The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
