The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
