The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents 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 failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
