The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
