The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished 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, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
