The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, 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 lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
