The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
