The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
