The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
