The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
