The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
