The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
