The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
