The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
