The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
