The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
