The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
