The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
