The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - 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 fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
