The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
