The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
