The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
