The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
