The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
