The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
