The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
