The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
