The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
