The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
