The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
