The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
