The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
