The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
