The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious 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 place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
