The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
