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.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
