The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
