The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
