The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
