The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
