The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
