The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
