The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent 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 last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
