The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
