The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure 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 Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
