The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
