The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
