The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
