The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
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 tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
