The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
