The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
