The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky 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 squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
