The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
