The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India 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 previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
