The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
