The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, 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 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
