The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure 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 several players - as well as head mentor 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 different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
