The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home 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 the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
