The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
