The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
